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The Highs, the Lows, and the Responsibility: Marlon Hoffstadt Sparks a Conversation on Safer Rave Culture
“As much as I love you all, and as sick as it is to play for you guys, from here it looks fucking rowdy down there”, said Marlon Hoffstadt, also known as DJ Daddy Trance, as he stopped his set at Australia’s Wildlands Festival. While the audience initially cheered at his words, Hoffstadt quickly clarified, “This is not a compliment, so everyone drink some water, look out for each other, and chill a fucking bit.”
The Berlin-based artist later shared his thoughts on Instagram, posting a story that, among other things, said, “I know going crazy and also doing drugs is fun and shit – I’ve been there, done that. But I think to create a safer space on the dancefloor, there’s like a few things that need to exist, and one of them is also quite safe use of drugs and to watch out for each other.”
“I don’t know… Maybe it’s time to educate yourself on how much you can do, what these drugs do to you, or like, what you can do when a friend goes bad or something” he continued, explaining that he has witnessed countless people, especially younger attendees, passing out in the crowd during his performances.
Hoffstadt’s candid statement underscores a persistent issue in the world of electronic music events: drug-related incidents and the lack of education around safe substance use. The intersection of drug culture and music festivals has been a global concern for years, with incidents ranging from overdoses to fatalities. In 2024 alone, reports of drug-related emergencies surged, reigniting discussions about harm reduction measures and the responsibilities of organizers, artists, and attendees alike.
By choosing to pause his set and address the issue on Instagram, Hoffstadt not only brought much-needed attention to the problem but also raised important questions about the role of artists in fostering safer environments. While DJs and performers are primarily there to entertain, moments like these highlight their influence beyond the decks. Hoffstadt demonstrated integrity and responsibility, sending a clear message: rave, music event, and festival culture should prioritize connection and collective care over reckless excess.
Similarly, festival organizers play a crucial role in mitigating risks. Initiatives like on-site drug testing, chill-out zones, and educational campaigns have long been staples at events such as Boom Festival in Portugal, Shambhala Music Festival in Canada, or most big festivals in the Netherlands where leading event organizers have implemented these measures for years. These proactive approaches have consistently proven effective in saving lives.
Let’s face it – whether someone supports or opposes drug use at festivals, it’s a reality that isn’t going away, no matter how many restrictions are imposed by law enforcement or event organizers. While rules around bringing and using drugs at festivals aim to control the situation, they often fall short when it comes to reducing harm. People determined to use substances will always find a way, making harm reduction strategies all the more essential.
The philosophy of harm reduction focuses on minimizing the negative effects of drug use without necessarily condoning it. Organizations like DanceSafe and The Loop have been at the forefront of this movement, providing resources such as drug-checking services and workshops on recognizing and responding to overdoses.
For attendees, understanding the risks associated with using various substances – especially when purchased from unknown sources – is crucial. For instance, mixing stimulants like MDMA with alcohol or other substances can lead to dehydration, overheating, or even heart failure. Drugs like ketamine require precise dosing to avoid “k-holes,” and an incorrect dose of any substance can result in severe, irreversible consequences for both body and mind. Simple steps, like staying hydrated, taking breaks, and looking out for one another, can significantly enhance safety and create a more secure experience for everyone.
Shifting rave culture requires a collective effort – not just from artists and organizers, but also from attendees who must take responsibility for their actions, look out for their friends, and extend a hand to strangers who may need help. For many, raves, music events, and festivals represent the kind of world that feels like the way the “real” world should be but often isn’t. It’s everyone’s responsibility to keep it that way.
Because let’s be honest – what we all truly want, at the end of the day, is to leave the festival grounds with sadness in our hearts only because an incredible time filled with amazing music, people, and experiences has come to an end. Not with sadness over how chasing a high ruined the experience for ourselves and others. Mistakes can however happen to the best of us, and when they do, it’s vital that the right people and procedures are in place to prevent them from becoming tragedies.
New EDM Friday is here and it shows once again that the world of electronic dance music never slows down. Get ready for another exciting New EDM Friday!
New EDM Friday varies from explosive festival anthems and deep underground grooves to emotional vocal collabs and long-awaited albums. With these tunes, the latest EDM releases in June 2025 deliver something for every kind of listener. Whether you’re prepping your playlist for the club, festival season, or a late-night drive, these fresh tracks from Hardwell, David Guetta, Armin van Buuren, Martin Garrix, and more are guaranteed to keep the energy high and your headphones on repeat.
Hardwell & Blasterjaxx – Beat Of The Drum
Hardwell and Blasterjaxx reunite once again on ‘Beat Of The Drum’, a thunderous big room anthem packed with tribal percussion, massive drops, and festival-fueled energy. This energetic track is ideal for New EDM Friday celebrations, designed for peak-time chaos, this track is a call to the dance floor with its raw, primal intensity.
David Guetta & Cedric Gervais – If (A Better World)
David Guetta and Cedric Gervais team up for ‘If (A Better World)’, a melodic and hopeful dance anthem that fuses progressive house with emotionally resonant vocals. With soaring builds and anthemic drops, this feel-good track fits perfectly into any New EDM Friday lineup, capturing the essence of fresh tunes.
Indira Paganotto & Armin van Buuren – Dragon
Psytech queen Indira Paganotto comes together for the first time with trance titan Armin van Buuren for ‘Dragon’, a high-octane fusion of driving techno and trance euphoria is a great addition for fans seeking the thrill of the latest New EDM Friday tracks. Dark, relentless, and cinematic, the track pushes genre boundaries and delivers a unique, high-energy ride.
HUGEL x Tom Enzy x JDR – Sonidito (feat. Josh Cross)
HUGEL, Tom Enzy, and JDR continue their hot streak of releases with ‘Sonidito’, a Latin-infused tech-house banger featuring Josh Cross. With spicy vocals, irresistible grooves, and percussive flair, this track is pure summer dance floor fire—perfect for beach parties and sweaty club nights during any of the New EDM Friday festivities.
Honorable mentions:
22Bullets – Zamboni
Afrojack & Gregor Salto — El Agua Corrió
Arcando & Julian Jordan – Operator
Audien & MAKJ ft. Julia Church – Slide Away
Bassjackers – Rewind
Brennan Heart x Jay Reeve – Endless Highs
Chicane ft. Moya Brennan – Saltwater (Audiotricz & Ecstatic Remix)
Claptone, Sea Girls – Put Your Love On Me (feat. Henry Camamile)
Dada Life – Everybody Look at Me
Dannic – My Mind
Darren Styles x Toneshifterz – Clarity
David Guetta, Cedric Gervais – If (A Better World)
Deniz Koyu – I GET DEEP
DIESEL & LAYZ – BRING THE PAIN
Dubdogz, 1Kilo – Deise Me Ir
Edward Maya x Adem Bogoceli – Not Too Late
Eran Hersh, Dean Mickoski, Nyadollar – Wa Sawa
Fox Stevenson – What Are You (Wow)
Hardwell & Blasterjaxx – Beat Of The Drum
HIVEMIND (Kayzo, Space Laces & MUSTDIE!) – BLOODSTREAM
HUGEL x Tom Enzy x JDR – Sonidito (feat. Josh Cross)
Indira Paganotto & Armin van Buuren – Dragon
Jengi x JADED x Alex Mills – Burnin’
Jennifer Lopez x Joel Corry – Get Right
Keanu Silva x HRRTZ – Music Inside Me (feat. RHODES)
Kevin D’Angello – Flatline
Kris Kross Amsterdam x André Hazes x Tabitha – Ze Komt Uit Amsterdam
KSHMR & Yves V – No Regrets (ft. Krewella) [YUSSI Remix]
Like Mike x Khainz – Peaceful World
LIZOT x ItaloBrothers – Hardcore
LNY TNZ x MANDY – Kicks
LP Giobbi – You Are
MATTN x DJ Aligator – Sweet Dreams
Mike Williams – Satisfied
Moksi – Brick City Empire (EP)
Niels Van Gogh – Destiny
NOVAH, CERES – Papi
Quarterhead x CHRSTPHR x James Chatburn – Summer Day
R3HAB – Rise Or Fall
Showtek – In Your Face (Hard Driver Rework)
SMACK x CMD/CTRL x Scrufizzer – Only You
STVW x Bertie Scott – THNKS FR TH MMRS
Surf Mesa, Zeeba – Energy
Timmy Trumpet x Zafrir x Henrique Camacho – Ziga
UMEK, Polyvinyl – Petardisimo (EP)
Ummet Ozcan – Era
Wh0 – The Girls & Boys
Will Clarke, Blythe – You Alone (PARIS Remix)
William Black, Fairlane, Amidy – Nightmare.
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/02drWIbmrqJigXSikPo8Vi?si=a5d0cf728be6416e
DJ Snake is one of the most prolific artists in the electronic dance music scene and he has given us countless hits that have kept us dancing for years.
DJ Snake’s explosive debut with ‘Turn Down for What’ to his recent chart-toppers and collaborations, DJ Snake‘s influence on the music scene is undeniable. As we celebrate his special day, let’s take a moment to appreciate the tracks that have defined his career and made him a global sensation.
In honor of this joyous event, we’ve put together a list of DJ Snake‘s top 10 songs, which highlight both his talent and range. Whether you’ve been a fan of his music for a while or are just now getting into it, these songs will definitely make you want to get up and dance. From the infectious beats of ‘Lean On’ with Major Lazer to the vibrant and invigorating ‘Taki Taki’ featuring Selena Gomez, Ozuna, and Cardi B, each track represents a milestone in DJ Snake‘s illustrious career. So, turn up the volume and join us in celebrating the Parisian native’s birthday with a musical journey through his greatest hits!
10. Get Low (with Dillon Francis) – 210m streams
9. A Different Way (with Lauv) – 305m streams
8. SG (with Ozuna, Megan Thee Stallion & LISA of BLACKPINK) – 323m streams
7. You Know You Like It (with AlunaGeorge) – 568m streams
6. Turn Down for What (with Lil Jon) – 590m streams
5. Loco Contigo (with J Balvin and Tyga) – 900m streams
4. Middle (with Bipolar Sunshine) – 1.1b streams
3. Taki Taki (with Selena Gomez, Ozuna, and Cardi B) – 1.7b streams
2. Lean On (with Major Lazer and MØ) – 2.3b streams
1. Let Me Love You (with Justin Bieber) – 2.5b streams
Martin Garrix has officially confirmed that his second album is in progress and expected to arrive in early 2026.
Martin Garrix made the announcement during a live segment on Fun Radio, where he explained that the majority of the material is already finished. What remains is the last round of refinement, which he described as the most time-consuming part. His goal is to have everything wrapped up by November.
This will be his first full-length record since Sentio, which was released in 2022. That album brought together several collaborations and included songs he had already tested out during festival sets. Since then, Garrix has been focused on releasing one-off singles and smaller projects. His recent output, including the IDEM EP and songs like “Breakaway” and “Weightless,” has shown a shift in tone. Some of the newer material leans more experimental, while still keeping a strong connection to the sound that shaped his earlier career. Martin Garrix’s evolution in these projects is quite intriguing.
Tomorrowland Will Preview What Comes Next
Martin Garrix also shared that he has completed a brand-new club-oriented song that will be premiered during his Tomorrowland set this summer. He described the production as more aggressive than usual, suggesting that the upcoming album may explore a heavier direction than his previous body of work. Given his history of using major festivals as a platform to debut unreleased material, Tomorrowland is likely the first place fans will get a sense of how the album sounds, echoing Martin Garrix’s pioneering approach to live performances.
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While no details were given about featured artists or the final lineup of songs, this new approach to performance and pacing hints that the album may not follow the structure of Sentio, which leaned heavily on vocal collaborations. Instead, it seems like Martin Garrix is exploring a format that reflects the kind of music he builds specifically for his live sets, demonstrating Martin Garrix’s intent to innovate.
A Different Kind of Album Rollout
Unlike his first album, which was promoted over several months with visuals and teasers tied to each single, this next phase feels more grounded in the moment. Rather than building an extended campaign around each individual release, Garrix appears focused on finishing the record as a whole and presenting it when it’s ready. The fact that he is premiering new material live rather than on streaming platforms shows that this process is being driven by instinct and audience feedback, not just marketing cycles, showcasing the practical and instinctive side of Martin Garrix.
With his timeline now set, fans can expect a gradual rollout beginning later this year. If the new club piece receives strong reactions at Tomorrowland, it may end up as one of the album’s lead singles. Either way, 2026 looks set to mark Martin Garrix’s return to full-length format, something his listeners have been anticipating since his last studio release, furthering Martin Garrix’s reputation for excellence.
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